After five grueling months of waiting, the NBA season is finally here. The Western Conference is loaded with new-look teams and exhilarating rookies. In a small sample size, the games have been nothing short of exhilarating. The first three days have featured late-game thrillers, blowouts, and shocking upsets, setting the stage for the standings below.
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Ranks 15-11
15. Phoenix Suns 0-1
Phoenix looked to build on last season, when they surpassed expectations and found themselves in the playoffs. The Suns were embarrassed in Portland, losing by 41 points in the season opener. They’ll have a chance to redeem themselves in a home opener against Golden State.
14. Sacramento Kings 0-1
The Kings stayed exactly where expected. They opened the season against the Los Angeles Clippers, a team in a similar position to Sacramento, and were soundly defeated by 21 points.
13. Utah Jazz 0-1
The Jazz opened the season in Memphis. Both teams were in similar positions, fighting for their first win of the season. After an unlikely 45-point outburst from Ty Jerome, Utah fell by 20 points. The Jazz face a tough test against New Orleans in their home opener.
12. Dallas Mavericks 0-1
Cooper Flagg and Kevin Durant went at it in Houston’s home opener. Dallas came up short in the end, suffering an 18-point loss to Houston. Given Dallas’ youth and the fact that they were playing on the road, the Mavericks put on a solid performance.
11. Golden State Warriors 0-1
The Warriors showcased their new-look starting lineup in Game 1 against Los Angeles. Though the game was entertaining due to the back-and-forth between Yaxel Lendeborg and Luka Doncic, the Lakers blew out Golden State.
Top 10
10. Los Angeles Clippers 1-0
Los Angeles didn’t have much to look forward to heading into this season. Yet, in their home opener, the Clippers took down the Sacramento Kings. Starting the season 1-0 is likely the best feeling LA’s fan base will experience all year.
9. Memphis Grizzlies 1-0
Memphis had the luxury of opening the season at home against a rebuilding Utah squad. The Grizzlies were led by Ty Jerome in a shaky debut for Cameron Boozer. A 45-point outburst isn’t going to happen every day.
8. New Orleans Pelicans 0-1
Tyrese Haliburton made his return against the Pelicans in New Orleans. The game came down to the wire, but Haliburton and the Pacers proved too much, even in the Pelicans’ home opener.
7. Portland Trail Blazers 1-0
The NBA world was taken by storm when the revamped Trail Blazers manhandled the Phoenix Suns in their home opener. Portland led by 52 points at one point in the game, putting the NBA on notice.
6. Denver Nuggets 0-1
The Nuggets opened their year in the final slot of the season’s opening games. Unfortunately, they were slated to face Oklahoma City in Denver. The Thunder proved why they have the best-built roster in the NBA and topped the Nuggets in a low-scoring affair.
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Top 5
5. Houston Rockets 1-0
In his 20th year, Kevin Durant displayed his elite scoring ability, leading the Rockets with a 30-point performance. Jabari Smith and Alperen Sengun chipped in a combined 53 points. Houston appears to have taken a massive leap forward this offseason.
4. Minnesota Timberwolves 1-0
After Game 1, Minnesota established itself as the most exciting team in the NBA. The Timberwolves blew out the Heat by 25 points in Miami, powered by a 45-point explosion from Anthony Edwards and 21 points from LaMelo Ball.
3. San Antonio Spurs 0-1
In a rematch of the Western Conference Finals, San Antonio was overwhelmed by Oklahoma City’s size and depth. Victor Wembanyama made just one field goal throughout the game, shooting 1-for-13 from the field. Take this loss with a grain of salt. Wemby won’t perform like this every game.
2. Los Angeles Lakers 1-0
The Lakers kicked off their season at home against the Golden State Warriors. Los Angeles’ new-and-improved roster was on full display. In an impressive victory, Luka Doncic didn’t take long to prove that he’s running the show in Los Angeles.
1. Oklahoma City Thunder 2-0
The Oklahoma City Thunder picked up right where they left off, making a statement out of the gate by securing a massive road win in Game 1 against the reigning Western Conference champions in San Antonio. They then took down the Nuggets in Denver two nights later.
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